[thescoop]

Quote: Originally Posted by GoDucks1224

Just wanna say since you shouted out some teams old success, Vandy was a fantastic football team for 70 years. They finished under .500 only 10 times in those 7 decades. In the early 1960’s they fell apart, because of a variety of factors including integration, and the SEC tonal shift away from academics for most programs (which lead to Georgia Tech leaving) but Vandy stuck to their guns, which has hurt them dramatically. That being said, I’m making Jay Cutler my coach and we’re taking Vandy to the CFP some time in the next five seasons! My top 10 would be focused on ‘rebuilding’ teams that have had success in their past, or recently, but haven’t gotten over the hump or established winning cultures. 10) NC State, consistently a good program. But they cannot manage to win the ACC. Now with the expanded playoff, and dips in programs like Clemson/UNC and Wake back down to earth, it is time for Dave Doeren to finally get to a playoff. 9) Tulane. Once an SEC team (also left cause of academic shift in the 60’s) has a long-standing rivalry with in state LSU, they’ve had a run of recent success that now might be fading due to Willie Fritz’ departure. Could be one of the best G5’s with an obvious path to moving up to a P4 conference if you string some success together. 8) Washington State and/or Oregon State. Left behind in the P12 Armageddon, abandoned by their P5 peers. Show the world (and the corporate networks who conspired to end the conference) the mistake they made. These teams are being counted out, and they have proud century long histories that shouldn’t be forgotten. They may not have been winners all the time, but they deserve better. 7) Rice. A Texas school. Has played UT forever. Long-standing rivalries with a lot of in state opponents. Has an all time W-L under .500 because their academic prowess holds them back. Show Houston who the real boss is. There will be room for them in the B12 if you can turn them into something that matters like no one else has. 6) Boston College. They’re like red uniform Notre Dame. Can Bill O’Brien turn around his hometown program? They have some interesting players after last season. They’re uniquely suited to recruiting an entire geographic area that is underutilized. In one of the larger metros of the United States. They won a national title once.. In 1940. 5) Miami (FL). Obvious answer. People know. The U has been The L for way too long now. I have my doubts Mario Cristobal can actually fulfil their potential in real life, but that shouldn’t stop you in game. Loaded roster. 4) Illinois. Felt like Bielema was gonna get them over the hump a couple years ago. Had an 8 win season for the first time in a long time. But they’ve fallen again. In an expanded, divisionless Big 10, it’ll be harder than ever to make them relevant. But they don’t have a lot of in state competition for recruits (NIU is G5 and Northwestern has strict academics) so you can claim Illinois for the Illini. 3) Vanderbilt. Talked about them up top. They’re my personal first rebuild, but they do have the built in advantage of being in the SEC as a recruiting tool. Just try not to get destroyed by the portal. 2) Arizona. Basketball school. Go win the Big 12 in year 1. Noah Fifita is a baller. Establish a winning culture. Arizona State is down bad as a program, and the Wildcats will be the #1 team in the Arizona/NM region for the foreseeable future. Use that to your advantage. 1) Boise State. They almost did the dang thing a decade ago with Kellen Moore throwing for 5000 yards. They shocked the world in the late 2000’s with their upset of Oklahoma. They consistently went undefeated or won 11 games and got snubbed by the BCS for meaningful bowl games. They just went through a pretty low period, and lost Taylen Green to Arkansas. But the expanded playoff means the time is now. Crush the Mountain West. Upset Oregon? (No way but you can dream.) Win an at large bid. Show the country Big Blue can win a playoff game. That blue field will burn your eyes out of your sockets, but it’ll be worth it when you’re hoisting the trophy after downing Georgia. [emoji6] They aren’t really in a strict order for me. It’s just kinda 10 teams I’m planning on looking at.

First, thank you for the updated Vandy history. I didn't have the cued up so I'm happy you have them some historical info.

Love your list. Looking forward to to this game!